By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator

Curling has featured on every Canada Winter Games program since the beginning in 1967. Featuring alumni such as Jennifer Jones and Kaitlyn Lawes, the Canada Games has been an important stepping stone on the route to Olympic gold.

For the first time ever at the Games, mixed doubles is making its debut in 2023. Team Manitoba’s Aaron Macdonell (20, Winnipeg) and Mackenzie Arbuckle (20, La Salle) have been playing together for two years.

“Back in 2020, there was the provincials in Manitoba. We’d never played mixed doubles together, but we decided to throw a team together and joined a league after that,” said Mackenzie. 

“Playing together for the past few years really helped us get here, playing in mixed doubles bonspiels when we can and playing in leagues really helped us get to this point. It is awesome being able to represent your province at any national event but at the Canada Games at this big of a stage and in this type of atmosphere is even better,” said Aaron. 

A big part of the Canada Games, its own mini-competition, is the pin trading the athletes and teams participate in throughout the week which makes the experience fun and challenging in a whole different way.

“My favourite part of the Games so far has been meeting all of the athletes, and the pin trading because I would have never expected that to be such a big thing here,” said Aaron. 

Just as competitive on the ice as off, like many teams, this one has its sights on a medal. 

“From the first game, We were able to get our draw weight early on which really helped us take control from the beginning. Hopefully we can carry our momentum into that second game, and see what happens from there,” said Mackenzie. 

“Our goal would to be able get onto the podium and come home with a medal, but we also want to enjoy our time here and enjoy the experience and get the most out of it,” added Aaron.

After today’s first two Games, the team sits 1-1.

“After the Games, we both plan on continuing to compete in provincials and see where that takes us, and hopefully we’ll get to nationals,” said Mackenzie.